US-Iran Ceasefire: Trump says troops will remain in region, warns of 'bigger, better, stronger' action if truce violated

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that American warships and troops will remain around Iran until a "real agreement" is both reached and "fully complied with". In a message on messaging platform Truth Social, the US president's posts appeared to be aimed at pressuring Tehran amid uncertainty in the two-week ceasefire agreed by both countries the previous day. Meanwhile, Israel's strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah added pressure to the fragile ceasefire.

“If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” wrote Trump.

He also reiterated the United States' position that Iran will not be able to build nuclear weapons and the Strait of Hormuz will be "open and safe".

According to foreign media reports, there was a pickup in the movement of vessels in the strait though the recorded activity was far below the normal average.

At the centre of the conflict, which saw a ceasefire in its sixth week since the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by joint US-Israel strikes on February, is the Strait of Hormuz -- a maritime region that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Before the onset of the conflict, the strait normally enabled the transport of about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies.

Iran has claimed that limited transit has resumed in the strait, a move that experts say may lead to partially lifting of the blockade within days though ships may still need Tehran’s nod.

US-Iran Conflict: Trump's 'bigger, better, stronger shooting' remark

The US has paused attacks on Iran, but warned it is ready to resume if peace efforts fail.

Trump wrote that all American ships, aircraft, military personnel, weaponry and "anything else that is appropriate and necessary for the lethal prosecution and destruction of an already substantially degraded Enemy" will continue to be in place in and around Iran the agreement.

"If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the “Shootin’ Starts,” bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before," he wrote.

He added: "It was agreed, a long time ago, and despite all of the fake rhetoric to the contrary - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS and, the Strait of Hormuz WILL BE OPEN & SAFE. In the meantime our great Military is Loading Up and Resting, looking forward, actually, to its next Conquest. AMERICA IS BACK!"

Trump has maintained that reopening of the strait is part of the deal, whereas Iran has insisted on continued control over the region.

Meanwhile, Israel has pushed forward its war against the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, striking parts of Beirut without warning. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that the truce didn't cover fighting against Hezbollah.

The three sides have presented vastly different versions of the terms.

Earlier, the Trump 2.0 administration delayed planned strikes against Iran's civilian infrastructure. Iran targeted oil infrastructure in Gulf countries, including a key pipeline in Saudi Arabia.

Trump's position on NATO

Once again, Trump criticised NATO members for not supporting the US in the Middle East crisis.

"NATO wasn't there when we needed them... They won't be there if we need them again," he wrote in another post.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject:

What has Donald Trump said?

He has warned that American forces will continue to stay near Iran until a “real agreement” is reached and honoured.

What will the US do if the ceasefire is violated?

The US president has warned of “bigger, better, stronger” strikes if the peace deal fails.

Is the ceasefire holding?

A two-week pause exists, but uncertainty looms. Experts say that the ceasefire can be fragile at this point given the strain from ongoing disputes and violations.

What makes the Strait of Hormuz a crucial part of the peace deal?

It carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas flows, having direct implications on the global energy market.

Is the strait open now?

It is learned to be partially opened.

What are the US demands?

The US has reiterated that Iran abandon nuclear weapons and reopen the Strait of Hormuz

What is happening in the region?

Israel continues strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah, adding pressure to the fragile truce.

Has Trump commented on NATO?

Yes. He has repeatedly criticised NATO countries for lack of support in the crisis.